Description of the attraction
Changuimun Gate, which is also called the Northwest Gate, is one of the eight Great Gates of the city wall of Seoul. Like all gates in the city wall, Changuimun gates have a second name - Buxosomun, which means "northern small gate".
Changuimun Gate was built in 1396, like most urban Seoul. Like Hyewamun Gate (Northeast Gate), Changuimun Gate was the main gateway for those who wanted to go outside the city walls and move to the northern part of the country, since the North Gate - Sukyongmun - was used mainly for ceremonies. The name of the gate Changuimun in translation from the Korean language means "the gate that opens the way to understanding."
A wooden structure was built over the Changuimun gate, which, unfortunately, burned down in the 16th century. During the war between Korea and Japan, many architectural monuments were damaged, and this gate was no exception. In 1740-1741, the gate was restored, and the superstructure above the gate is today considered the oldest superstructure among the "four small gates" of the city wall.
Nowadays, visitors can view the gate from all sides, walk through it, and even approach the superstructure. However, they will not be able to get inside, since a laser fire protection system is installed inside. If you come closer to the gate, you can see that wooden rafters are decorated with figures of chickens that destroy centipedes. These symbolic figures are believed to protect the city from evil spirits.
Near the Changuimun Gate, there are monuments to those who saved the South Korean President during an armed attack on him in January 1968: General Choi Kyu Sik and Officer Yun Yong-soo.
